[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 19 (Tuesday, March 3, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H743-H744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     U.S. SHOULD SUPPORT INDIAN GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, few weeks ago, several Members of this body 
had sent a letter to the Honorable Prakash Singh Badal, Chief Minister 
of the Indian State of Punjab. The letter alleges that India's security 
forces and the Punjab state police have been involved in a number of 
acts of murder, rape, and torture of the Sikh community. The letter 
also called for the establishment of a state human rights commission to 
investigate these alleged crimes.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no need to resurrect these allegations or 
propose a new way to deal with them.
  Last year, under the direction of Chief Minister Badal, the Punjab 
government established a human rights commission whose primary purpose 
is to investigate claims of human rights abuses committed by government 
officials, Indian security forces, and members of the Punjab state 
police. This commission is headed by a former Chief Justice of the 
Indian High Court. The former Chief Justice is accompanied by retired 
judges and private citizens from the State of Punjab. The commission 
was purposely filled with individuals who are of different and unique 
backgrounds to ensure that all interests are represented.
  The Indian government several years ago, I should point out, also 
established the National Indian Human Rights Commission to investigate 
claims of human rights abuses. That commission has found members of the 
Indian security force, border patrol, and military to have used 
excessive force, especially in Punjab. This commission has swiftly 
disciplined these individuals for the crimes they had committed.
  I am surprised that there was no mention in this letter that 
representatives of the International Commission of the Red Cross and 
Amnesty International have visited India. Many distinguished leaders 
from the U.S., including Members of this body, have traveled to India 
to meet with government officials, separatist leaders, and the general 
population.
  Last year, Mr. Speaker, the predominantly Sikh Akali Dal party won 
the majority of seats in the legislature, and the party's leader, 
Prakash Singh Badal, was named Chief Minister. To show that they are 
committed to the peace and prosperity of Punjab, the Akali Dal party 
ran in coalition with the predominantly Hindu BJP party.
  What concerns me, Mr. Speaker, is that these claims and accusations 
about the situation in Punjab really are almost 10 years old now. The 
developments over the last 2 years, three elections with over 60 
percent voter turnout and the establishment of the state human rights 
commission, are in sharp contrast to the claims that are being made in 
this letter that was sent to the Punjab government. The people of 
Punjab have demonstrated their preference and commitment to peace and 
the democratic process.
  I think it is time that Members of this body look past the problems 
that formerly plagued Punjab. It is time for us to focus on different 
issues, such as the major economic reforms initiated by the Punjab 
government.
  Punjab is currently trying to attract numerous American companies to 
invest in the state's infrastructure, information technology, and 
agriculture projects. We should support those American companies, such 
as Pepsi, Heinz, and Kellogg, who have already made tremendous 
investments and have helped bring stability back to the state of 
Punjab.
  Mr. Speaker, I am simply asking that we show our support and work 
with the

[[Page H744]]

Indian government, as well as the Punjab government, in keeping peace 
within Punjab. We should encourage American companies to take advantage 
of the opportunities that exist in Punjab.
  Over the last 2 years, the citizens of Punjab have demonstrated their 
commitment to peace and democracy. I think it is time we put these 
problems in the past that existed in Punjab behind us. They are being 
addressed by the human rights commissions that are in place.
  It is much more valuable for us to talk about what we can do as 
Americans to bring Punjab and India closer together with the United 
States, as I know so many of the people in this body, including our 
Members of the India Caucus, have strived to do.

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